5 weeks to surgery. I have been researching like a crazy woman and going over all of the post op paperwork from the surgeon. There is so much to think about, like what do I bring to the hospital? What do I need have waiting for me at home? What kind of crutches work best? Do I need a walker? What about stairs? The questions go on and on. I found a facebook group (Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)) that has been so helpful in answering these questions. Each person in this group (there are 513 members!) is going through this surgery or has already had it. They are so supportive and are willing to answer every question, and with empathy.
First though-- Kind of a side note to this blog post, but completely worth mentioning: In reading through the pamphlets sent by Duke Hospital, I find a blip about what to bring with you the day of surgery. #1? A living will. You've got to be kidding me! Way to freak a girl out.
Anyway, so I'm reading and seeing pictures of scars, walkers, raised toilet seats, before and after xrays, and... blood transfusion machines. Yes, I have been told that I will most likely need 1-2 blood transfusions during the surgery. If anyone knows me well, they know that me and blood don't mix. I remember days when my older sister would watch Trauma, Life in the ER and I would have to go into the next room to make sure I didn't see blood. Just thinking of blood makes my entire body feel weak. Well, not only is there the possibility of blood transfusions during surgery, I may need them afterward too! There is something called an autotransfusion in which your own blood is collected during surgery and a machine cycles it through your body while recovering. I saw a picture in a blog I was reading last week and was instantly grossed out. I've already announced to my husband, if one of these is next to my bed after surgery, he'd better cover it with a blanket!
Another side note, but made me laugh off the blood thoughts running through my head... I looked on craigslist for a walker today. I felt like an old lady picking out my ride! 2014 is going to be my year of recovery, but I will do my best to laugh and know that some day we will look back and see it only as a speed bump!
First though-- Kind of a side note to this blog post, but completely worth mentioning: In reading through the pamphlets sent by Duke Hospital, I find a blip about what to bring with you the day of surgery. #1? A living will. You've got to be kidding me! Way to freak a girl out.
Anyway, so I'm reading and seeing pictures of scars, walkers, raised toilet seats, before and after xrays, and... blood transfusion machines. Yes, I have been told that I will most likely need 1-2 blood transfusions during the surgery. If anyone knows me well, they know that me and blood don't mix. I remember days when my older sister would watch Trauma, Life in the ER and I would have to go into the next room to make sure I didn't see blood. Just thinking of blood makes my entire body feel weak. Well, not only is there the possibility of blood transfusions during surgery, I may need them afterward too! There is something called an autotransfusion in which your own blood is collected during surgery and a machine cycles it through your body while recovering. I saw a picture in a blog I was reading last week and was instantly grossed out. I've already announced to my husband, if one of these is next to my bed after surgery, he'd better cover it with a blanket!
Another side note, but made me laugh off the blood thoughts running through my head... I looked on craigslist for a walker today. I felt like an old lady picking out my ride! 2014 is going to be my year of recovery, but I will do my best to laugh and know that some day we will look back and see it only as a speed bump!